Player Lowdown

Strengths Weaknesses

STRENGTHS: Plays longer and stronger than his frame indicates. Very good snap anticipation. Often is the first off the ball (offensive or defensive linemen), giving himself a critical first step advantage to cross the face of tackles. Strong, active hands to rip away at would-be blockers' attempts to get to his chest and demonstrates an effective shoulder dip and inside-counter move, as well. Slides well laterally at the last second to slip by blockers in the running game, frequently making plays near the line of scrimmage. Pursues laterally and downfield with passion, showing vision to avoid blockers and plot his angle. Effective wrap-up tackler. Voted a team captain. WEAKNESSES: Obvious size concerns, which limit the style and scheme in which he projects to the NFL. Will be viewed by some as a classic 'tweener. A bit top-heavy and too often falls to the turf when he gets out of control. To his credit, Edebali isn't on the ground long and pursues hard. Quicker and efficient than he is fast or explosive. COMPARES TO: Daniel Te'o Nesheim, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Some players don't necessarily look the part but their consistency and production against high caliber competition speaks for itself. It would be a surprise to see Edebali earn the third round selection the Eagles gave Te'o-Nesheim in 2010 but each play with the high-motor, anticipation and technique to emerge as solid contributors in the NFL. --Rob Rang

Player Overview

Edebali was born in Germany and was introduced to the game there, playing quarterback and tight end for the Hamburg Young Huskies as a youngster. Upon moving to the United States, Edebali played two years at Kimball Union Academy as part of the USA Football International Student Program, catching the attention of Boston College (and others) as a tight end and defensive end. Edebali redshirted at BC in 2009 but quickly emerged as part of the starting rotation a year later, registering 13 tackles in as many games, including four starts. Over the next three seasons Edebali would emerge as one of the ACC's best defenders, starting 36 games and leading the club in tackles for loss and sacks over the 2012-13 campaigns. Edebali capped off his career with a breakout senior campaign that demonstrated his all-around game, collecting 67 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, five passes broken up, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He followed this up with a strong performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Clearly, Edebali's size limits the schemes with which he can be effective. The four-year starter is better than the sum of his parts, however, and could surprise at LEO defensive end or perhaps as an outside linebacker in a traditional 3-4 scheme.

05/13/2014 - New Orleans Saints announce 2014 rookie free agent class: Kasim Edebali - Outside Linebacker, Boston College (6-2, 253): A Hamburg, Germany native, Edebali moved to the United States as part of the USA Football International Student Program and enrolled as an Eagle where he appeared in 49 games and totaled 166 tackles (88 solo), 11 sacks, 24.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 15 passes defensed. He served as a team co-captain as a senior and posted 67 tackles (36 solo), two fumble recoveries and five passes defensed while leading the team with 15 tackles for losses, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, and earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team honors from coaches and All-ACC third-team honors from the media. - New Orleans Saints